Matt Damon apologises for diversity comments

Matt Damon has apologised for controversial comments he made about diversity in Hollywood.

The 44-year-old actor came under fire after suggesting that films only need a broader range of actors and not necessarily directors or producers during a heated debate with producer Effie Brown on the Season 4 premiere episode of his HBO reality show, 'Project Greenlight,' which offers filmmakers a chance to direct a $3 million feature film, on Sunday (13.09.15), but insists his comments were taken out of context.

In a statement to The Wrap, the Oscar winner said: "I believe deeply that there need to be more diverse filmmakers making movies. I love making movies. It's what I have chosen to do with my life and I want every young person watching 'Project Greenlight' to believe that filmmaking is a viable form of creative expression for them too. My comments were part of a much broader conversation about diversity in Hollywood and the fundamental nature of 'Project Greenlight' which did not make the show. I am sorry that they offended some people, but, at the very least, I am happy that they started a conversation about diversity in Hollywood. That is an ongoing conversation that we all should be having."

The 'Martian' star was slammed on social media after he stated on the show: "When we're talking about diversity, you do it in the casting of the film, not in the casting of the show."